ACTIVITY: UNIT 1

Globalization is experienced in many different ways in many parts of the world, and there are
many different opinions about it.
Some famous notes from International well known figures on Globalization:
Ban-Ki Moon-Secretary-General of the United Nations
The last two years have witnessed a cascade of interconnected crises: financial panic, rising food
and oil prices, climate shocks, a flu pandemic, and more. Political cooperation to address these
problems is not a mere nicety. It has become a global necessity.
Global cooperation was decisive in arresting the financial meltdown. While the worlds
economic situation remains difficult, the benefits of monetary and fiscal cooperation among the
major economies is clear. We saw a similarly effective collective response to the H1N1
pandemic. Cooperation works, but weve only just gotten started. Let us now bring the power of
global partnership to bear on climate change, poverty reduction, and food production. Let us
begin an economic recovery that is not only robust, but also just, inclusive, and sustainable
lifting the entire world. For if we do not do it now, at a moment of crisis, when will we?
Yukio Hatoyama, Former Prime Minister of Japan
The economic order or local economic activities in any country are built up over long years and
reflect the influence of each countrys traditions, habits, and national lifestyles. However,
globalism progressed without any regard for various non-economic values, nor for environmental
issues or problems of resource restriction. If we look back on the changes in Japanese society
that have occurred since the end of the cold war, I believe it is no exaggeration to say that the
global economy has damaged traditional economic activities and destroyed local communities.
Capital and means of production can now be transferred easily across international borders.
However, people cannot move so easily. In terms of market theory, people are simply personnel
expenses, but in the real world people support the fabric of the local community and are the
physical embodiment of its lifestyle, traditions, and culture. An individual gains respect as a
person by acquiring a job and a role within the local community and being able to maintain his
familys livelihood.

William Clinton, former President of the USA

Today, we must embrace the inexorable logic of globalization that everything from the strength
of our economy to the safety of our cities, to the health of our people, depends upon events not
only within our borders but half a world away Globalization is irreversible.
Vandana Shiva, Indian environmentalist
What we are doing, in the name of globalization, to the poor is brutal and unforgivable. This is
especially evident in India as we witness the unfolding disasters of globalization, especially in
food and agriculture.
International Chamber of Commerce
Globalization is about worldwide economic activity about open markets, competition and the
free flow of goods, services, capital and knowledge. Globalization has made the world
economy more efficient and has created hundreds of millions of jobs, mainly, but not only, in
developing countries. It generates an upward spiral of jobs and prosperity for countries that
embrace the process, although the advantages will not reach everybody at the same time.
Activity: Q1: Review how globalization is viewed in your country? What are the impacts?
Share your views in very succinct points, in no more than 150 words.